Top Real Estate Company in the Capital Region
Top Real Estate Company in the Capital Region
Buying or Selling in Albany? Do It the Right Way.
About Colin McDonald
With over $300 million in closed sales, 300+ successful transactions, and 100+ five-star reviews across Google and Zillow, I’m proud to be one of the Capital Region’s leading real estate professionals. As the founder of the McDonald Real Estate Company, I bring a modern approach to buying and selling homes.
As a top real estate company, I am formerly recognized for consistent performance and client results. I focus on delivering a streamlined, data-driven experience that helps buyers and sellers move with confidence. To learn more about my approach, read my outlook on best practices to sell your house quickly in 2026.
With more than $300 million in sales, 300+ successful transactions, and over 100 five-star reviews across Google and Zillow, I’m proud to be recognized as one of the Capital Region’s top real estate agents. As the founder of the McDonald Real Estate Company, I leverage tech-savvy marketing strategies and deep local expertise to help buyers and sellers succeed in today’s competitive market.
To learn more about my approach, read my 2026 outlook on how to sell your house fast.
100+ Reviews From
Happy Homeowners
Our satisfied customers are the reason we are Albany's top real estate company and homeowners premier choice for buying and selling.
Colin is really knowledgeable, fun, available, responsive and knows everyone! He was able to schedule 3 different contractors for estimates in the same 1 hour time frame based on my schedule. Amazing. His patience with my struggles to make decisions was great. He advocated for me and kept me grounded. I had a VERY modest budget and he treated me like I was buying a million dollar home. Do not hesitate to work with him. I will definitely use him for any sales and/or purchases in the future! He's the best!
We had an excellent experience working with Colin McDonald in buying our home in Troy. Colin's deep knowledge of the market was invaluable. He consistently provided helpful professional advice to us during all stages of the buying process. Colin was a proactive communicator, who was always extremely friendly and supportive. He also recommended an excellent lawyer. In short, Colin made what could have been a stressful experience feel manageable and pleasant. We highly recommend Colin McDonald.
Colin did such a great job getting me a great deal on my new home. I sent in the offer in January and closed in February! Him and his team are the best people for the job in Albany County!
Colin has been phenomenal both when I bought and sold. He is responsive, professional, thorough, and totally on top of things. Great. Highly recommended.
Colin was a fantastic buyer's agent! He outlined the process in a comprehensive and detailed way, got me to see every listing I was even a little interested in (10 in one Sunday!), recommended a fantastic lawyer and inspector and just overall took great care of me responding quickly and completely to all my texts. I cold called him a couple weeks before Halloween after a friend's recommendation determined to buy a house and close by Christmas. He met my energy and we closed before Thanksgiving.
Nate and Mariah were recommended to me by a coworker who had just had a great experience with this team. This was my first home purchase, and they helped explain the home-buying process and offered great advice/guidance throughout the process. They were responsive, flexible, and...
Colin was absolutely fantastic! He came highly recommended as a buyer's agent by two friends of mine and they were not exaggerating. Colin responded to text messages quickly and comprehensively, got me in to see every listing I wanted, provided excellent guidance and negotiation ...
Colin is the absolute best! He was so knowledgeable about the whole process and helped us find our dream home!
Latest Listings
Seethe latest listings from my real estate brokerage to hit the market—fresh opportunities for buyers ready to make their next move. From stylish interiors to desirable locations, each property highlights what’s new and available right now in today’s real estate market.
Discover the latest listings from our real estate brokerage - featuring stylish interiors and prime locations that offer fresh opportunities for buyers right now.
Browse Homes in Featured Locations
From lakefront homes and luxury retreats to character-filled downtown condos, Upstate NY real estate offers options for every lifestyle across the Capital Region. Click to browse home in the area.
From tranquil lakefront escapes to lively city condos, Upstate NY has the perfect home—whether you’re after suburban space or downtown buzz.
Latest Market Insights From Your Local Realtor
Welcome to our blog, your go-to destination for all things real estate and beyond. Join us as we explore the exciting world of real estate together and unlock the keys to your dream home. Our blog has something interesting to know for everyone.
Welcome to our blog—your one-stop source for real estate insights and dream‑home inspiration.
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Best Platforms to Find Homes for Sale with V...
How a Top Producing Albany Agent Helps You P...
Answers to Common Real Estate Questions
Buying or selling real estate comes with a lot of moving parts—so we’ve put together answers to the questions we hear most often. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, this section is here to help you feel informed and confident every step of the way.
What areas do you serve?
We specialize in residential and commercial real estate throughout Upstate NY, with deep local knowledge in neighborhoods like Albany, Saratoga Springs, and Troy. As a real estate company, we strive to be available in as many upstate NY areas that we can.
What makes your brokerage different from others?
We combine personalized service with expert advertising, offering modern marketing strategies, expert negotiation, and full transparency throughout the buying or selling process.
Do I need to be pre-approved before working with your agents?
While it’s not required to start the conversation, we do recommend getting pre-approved for a mortgage early. It strengthens your offer and helps us match you with homes within your budget. See our compliance letter detailing how we approach pre-approvals.
If you are looking to get pre-approved check out this guideline on the best approach to approvals.
How much does it cost to work with a real estate agent?
For buyers, our services are typically free—commissions are paid by the seller. Sellers usually pay a commission fee at closing, which we’ll discuss clearly and upfront before listing your home.
If you are looking to buy or sell a home, click here to reach out and Colin will make sure to help you out.
Do you only work with residential properties?
No—in our real estate company, our team has extensive experience in both residential and commercial real estate. Whether you’re buying a home, leasing office space, or investing in multi-units, we can help.
Can you help with new construction or custom-built homes?
Absolutely. We work closely with local builders and developers and can guide you through the new construction process, including selecting land, reviewing contracts, and understanding timelines.
If you are looking to buy a new construction, checkout our guide on new construction homes.
How quickly can I expect to sell my home?
Timing depends on pricing, condition, and local market conditions, but our data-driven approach is designed to help you sell quickly and for top dollar. We’ll walk you through your specific timeline. Reach out to talk to one of our real estate agents in Albany.
Do you work with first-time homebuyers?
Yes! Ou real estate agents love helping first-time buyers navigate the market with confidence. From explaining the financing process to guiding you through inspections and closing, we’re with you at every step.
We’ve even put together a small checklist for you to reference when buying a home for the first time.